“No great genius has ever existed without some touch of madness." Aristotle's statement holds much truth - only a genius who takes unprecedented risks has the right to call him/herself "great." Taking the plunge without knowing the outcome ties in the inventive factor. Combined together, the Genius/Inventor forges a dynamic duo.
Often, the qualities of this hybrid archetype seem to clash. The Genius is usually extroverted and socially adept - a great deal of time is spent in keeping up with news and networks of people. He/she methodically accomplishes things, but also makes decisions at the last minute. Analytical, logical, and "outside-the-box" thinking dominate the thought process consistently. Intelligence and brilliance define a great deal of the individual's personality - he/she is not afraid of expressing whatever is in mind.
The Inventor, on the other hand, appears to be more of a recluse. He/she is obsessed with creating what has been envisioned, whether it be practical or whimsical. The majority of the time, things such as money or sleep are sacrificed for perhaps books and experiment materials. A thirst for simply more knowledge fuels this passion.
This two-tone archetype provides a countless variety of different traits and qualities. Just like how no two snowflakes are alike, each Genius/Inventor slightly differs from the other. However, every one holds a common denominator - the subtle yet highly significant role this archetype has played throughout history.
Real life: Albert Einstein (chart)
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Other: Jules Verne
Jules Verne was a 19th Century Genius who predicted the creation of many commonplace transportation vehicles today. As a child, Jules Verne lived near a port where he would watch schooners and ships sail. In school, he would often write short stories about adventure. He eventually became interested in the theatre and collaborated with a friend to write operettas. Jules Verne was a very social person and on a trip with his wife, became friends with an editor and producer, his writing career kick started. In such books as From the Earth to the Moon, and Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, Verne mentioned fantastical methods of transportation like rocket ships and submarines. The unabridged versions of his books contained scientific proofs for other ideas that seemed outrageous at the time. Jules Verne fantasized about skyscrapers, helicopters, airplanes, and hydrogen as a source of energy. Unlike an archetypal genius, Jules Verne often put facts before fantasy. Jules Verne also focused mostly on travel and methods of transportation. Literature: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
The genius/inventor in many stories commonly creates his/her inventions for the better good of those around him/her. In this case, there happens to be no doubt that Dr. Jekyll (as one person) is an inventor, but his inventions are utilized as an escape from reality. He concocts potions that split his personality into blacks and whites - the "good" and the "monster" within. Dr. Jekyll stands as a renowned person in his town; on the other hand, Mr. Hyde (Dr. Jekyll) is condemned as a murderer. One cannot say that Dr. Jekyll is a genius, but his brilliance is shown in his subconscious ability to create havoc in the city. Differing from the archetype, though, Dr.Jekyll's motivation behind his inventions remains selfish - he is willing to elude reality at the cost of others.
Real life: Leonardo Da Vinci (chart)
Leonardo Da Vinci Background
Leonardo Da Vinci Archetypal Characteristics
Pop Culture: “Doc” Brown
In the movie ‘Back to the Future’, Doctor “Doc” Emmett Brown has proved to be a genius and inventor of time travel. His character reflects the typical genius that is sought by those who need help. There are several traits that distinguish him as a profound genius, such as naming his dog Einstein and keeping his work area in a complete disarray. When working in the lab, he wears goggles that make him appear more professional - he takes pride in his intelligence. Throughout the trilogy,Doc Brown's time traveling car creates a large controversy. Commonly, the Inventor's creation is never received quietly - an extremely reoccurring factor.
Greek Mythology - Daedalus
Pop Culture: Professor Brainard
Professor Phillip Brainard, the protagonist in the move Flubber, most certainly falls under this Inventor/Genius archetype. At the start of the film, Brainard’s physical appearance - his glasses and messy hair - indicates the type of character he is. In addition, the Professor created a variety of devices to help him around the house. The plot of the movie follows the invention Brainard creates in his laboratory/basement, which is a miniature ball of goo named Flubber. As much of an inventor Brainard is, he differs from the average genius/inventor due to the lack of "real" intelligence and his normalcy of screwing up.
Other: Thomas Edison (chart)
Literature: Ender
Protagonist Andrew “Ender” Wiggin functions as a genius/inventor character in the book Ender’s Game. In this sci-fi thriller, Ender is forced into a space program designed to save Earth from the Buggers. The reason why he was picked was due to his profound knowledge and intellectuality at the early age of six - a mark of genius. While taking part in the intense training, Ender starts to invent different tactics to assist him through the grueling battles he endures in space. Contrary to the usual concept of receiving "smarts from birth," Ender’s intelligence was brought about a result of an experiment. Although not a natural genius, all in all he is a bright and an inventor at heart.
Chinese Mythology: Master Yen
[Lieh Tzu, claimed author of the Master Yen myth]
According to legend, inventor Master Yen lived in the tenth century B.C. during the reign of King Mu of Chou. He presented a highly realistic robotic humanoid before the king, and was almost executed – the “human” winked at the court ladies – until he ripped apart his creation to reveal it was completely artificial.
The description of the robot’s innards proves Master Yen to have one central quality of the Inventor/Genius genius – a deep knowledge of the sciences. Although constructed entirely out of leather, gum, wood, and laquer, every little detail of the human body was included. The body hair, muscles, bones, lungs, spleen, etc. all demonstrate just how expansive Yen’s scope was. King Mu of Chou recognized his intellectual brilliance by exclaiming, “’Such human ingenuity can be judged to be just as worthy of the Creator'"(Birrell 65)
Yen differs from the archetype, however, in the sense that he values his life over his invention. Instead of passionately defending the creation, he chose to rip it apart in order to plead his innocence. Ultimately, Master Yen’s inferiority to the king gives the Inventor/Genius archetype an “ordinary man” twist.
"Synopsis of Back to the Future." Rev. of Back to the Future, by Anakin_McFly and Uruseiranma. Synopsis. The Internet Movie Database, 8 Sept. 2009. Web. 21 Sept. 2009. <http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088763/synopsis>.
Schwartz, Robert G. "Example Archetypes Continued."Piedmont Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.N.p., Oct. 1998. Web. 14 Sept. 2009. <http://rgsmedicalinsight.homestead.com/archetypes2.html>.
"Mythography: Exploring Greek, Roman, and Celtic Myth and Art!"Daedalus andGreek Mythology. N.p., 1997. <http://www.loggia.com/myth/daedalus2.html>. Rpt. inBulfinch's Mythology. N.p.: n.p., n.d. N. pag.Loggia.com. Web. 14 Sept. 2009.
The Genius“No great genius has ever existed without some touch of madness." Aristotle's statement holds much truth - only a genius who takes unprecedented risks has the right to call him/herself "great." Taking the plunge without knowing the outcome ties in the inventive factor. Combined together, the Genius/Inventor forges a dynamic duo.
Often, the qualities of this hybrid archetype seem to clash. The Genius is usually extroverted and socially adept - a great deal of time is spent in keeping up with news and networks of people. He/she methodically accomplishes things, but also makes decisions at the last minute. Analytical, logical, and "outside-the-box" thinking dominate the thought process consistently. Intelligence and brilliance define a great deal of the individual's personality - he/she is not afraid of expressing whatever is in mind.
The Inventor, on the other hand, appears to be more of a recluse. He/she is obsessed with creating what has been envisioned, whether it be practical or whimsical. The majority of the time, things such as money or sleep are sacrificed for perhaps books and experiment materials. A thirst for simply more knowledge fuels this passion.
This two-tone archetype provides a countless variety of different traits and qualities. Just like how no two snowflakes are alike, each Genius/Inventor slightly differs from the other. However, every one holds a common denominator - the subtle yet highly significant role this archetype has played throughout history.
Real life: Albert Einstein (chart)
==----
Other: Jules Verne
Jules Verne was a 19th Century Genius who predicted the creation of many commonplace transportation vehicles today. As a child, Jules Verne lived near a port where he would watch schooners and ships sail. In school, he would often write short stories about adventure. He eventually became interested in the theatre and collaborated with a friend to write operettas. Jules Verne was a very social person and on a trip with his wife, became friends with an editor and producer, his writing career kick started. In such books as From the Earth to the Moon, and Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, Verne mentioned fantastical methods of transportation like rocket ships and submarines. The unabridged versions of his books contained scientific proofs for other ideas that seemed outrageous at the time. Jules Verne fantasized about skyscrapers, helicopters, airplanes, and hydrogen as a source of energy. Unlike an archetypal genius, Jules Verne often put facts before fantasy. Jules Verne also focused mostly on travel and methods of transportation.Literature: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
The genius/inventor in many stories commonly creates his/her inventions for the better good of those around him/her. In this case, there happens to be no doubt that Dr. Jekyll (as one person) is an inventor, but his inventions are utilized as an escape from reality. He concocts potions that split his personality into blacks and whites - the "good" and the "monster" within. Dr. Jekyll stands as a renowned person in his town; on the other hand, Mr. Hyde (Dr. Jekyll) is condemned as a murderer. One cannot say that Dr. Jekyll is a genius, but his brilliance is shown in his subconscious ability to create havoc in the city. Differing from the archetype, though, Dr.Jekyll's motivation behind his inventions remains selfish - he is willing to elude reality at the cost of others.Real life: Leonardo Da Vinci (chart)
Pop Culture: “Doc” Brown
In the movie ‘Back to the Future’, Doctor “Doc” Emmett Brown has proved to be a genius and inventor of time travel. His character reflects the typical genius that is sought by those who need help. There are several traits that distinguish him as a profound genius, such as naming his dog Einstein and keeping his work area in a complete disarray. When working in the lab, he wears goggles that make him appear more professional - he takes pride in his intelligence. Throughout the trilogy,Doc Brown's time traveling car creates a large controversy. Commonly, the Inventor's creation is never received quietly - an extremely reoccurring factor.
Greek Mythology - Daedalus
Pop Culture: Professor Brainard
Professor Phillip Brainard, the protagonist in the move Flubber, most certainly falls under this Inventor/Genius archetype. At the start of the film, Brainard’s physical appearance - his glasses and messy hair - indicates the type of character he is. In addition, the Professor created a variety of devices to help him around the house. The plot of the movie follows the invention Brainard creates in his laboratory/basement, which is a miniature ball of goo named Flubber. As much of an inventor Brainard is, he differs from the average genius/inventor due to the lack of "real" intelligence and his normalcy of screwing up.
Other: Thomas Edison (chart)
Literature: Ender
Protagonist Andrew “Ender” Wiggin functions as a genius/inventor character in the book Ender’s Game. In this sci-fi thriller, Ender is forced into a space program designed to save Earth from the Buggers. The reason why he was picked was due to his profound knowledge and intellectuality at the early age of six - a mark of genius. While taking part in the intense training, Ender starts to invent different tactics to assist him through the grueling battles he endures in space. Contrary to the usual concept of receiving "smarts from birth," Ender’s intelligence was brought about a result of an experiment. Although not a natural genius, all in all he is a bright and an inventor at heart.Chinese Mythology: Master Yen
[Lieh Tzu, claimed author of the Master Yen myth]
According to legend, inventor Master Yen lived in the tenth century B.C. during the reign of King Mu of Chou. He presented a highly realistic robotic humanoid before the king, and was almost executed – the “human” winked at the court ladies – until he ripped apart his creation to reveal it was completely artificial.
The description of the robot’s innards proves Master Yen to have one central quality of the Inventor/Genius genius – a deep knowledge of the sciences. Although constructed entirely out of leather, gum, wood, and laquer, every little detail of the human body was included. The body hair, muscles, bones, lungs, spleen, etc. all demonstrate just how expansive Yen’s scope was. King Mu of Chou recognized his intellectual brilliance by exclaiming, “’Such human ingenuity can be judged to be just as worthy of the Creator'"(Birrell 65)
Yen differs from the archetype, however, in the sense that he values his life over his invention. Instead of passionately defending the creation, he chose to rip it apart in order to plead his innocence. Ultimately, Master Yen’s inferiority to the king gives the Inventor/Genius archetype an “ordinary man” twist.
Citations
Research Google Doc
Texts
Jongo International Inc. "Lie Zi." Philosophers. Jongo, 2006-2009. Web. 20 Sept. 2009. <http://knows.jongo.com/res/article/3247>.
Stevenson, Robert Louis. "Plot Overview." Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. SparkNotes, 2009. Web. 21 Sept. 2009. <http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/jekyll/summary.html>.
"Synopsis of Back to the Future." Rev. of Back to the Future, by Anakin_McFly and Uruseiranma. Synopsis. The Internet Movie Database, 8 Sept. 2009. Web. 21 Sept. 2009. <http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088763/synopsis>.
Schwartz, Robert G. "Example Archetypes Continued." Piedmont Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.N.p., Oct. 1998. Web. 14 Sept. 2009. <http://rgsmedicalinsight.homestead.com/archetypes2.html>.
"Mythography: Exploring Greek, Roman, and Celtic Myth and Art!" Daedalus and Greek Mythology. N.p., 1997. <http://www.loggia.com/myth/daedalus2.html>. Rpt. inBulfinch's Mythology. N.p.: n.p., n.d. N. pag. Loggia.com. Web. 14 Sept. 2009.
"The Inventor." Editorial. Writers Village University. Writopia Inc., 2009. Web. 14 Sept. 2009. <http://www.writersvillage.com/character/Inventor.htm>.
Lahanas, Michael. "The Mythical Inventors Hephaistos, Daedalus, Talos, Palamedes and others." Hellenica. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2009. <http://www.mlahanas.de/Greeks/MythicalInventors.html>.
Conjecture Corporation, comp. "Who is Daedalus." wiseGEEK. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2009. <http://www.wisegeek.com/who-is-daedalus.htm>.
Museum of Science, comp. "Renaissance Man." Leonardo daVinci - Scientist - Inventor - Artist. Museum of Science, n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2009. <http://www.mos.org/Leonardo/inventor.html>
Pictures
Icarus and Daedalus. 1869. Art Renewal Center Museum. http://www.artrenewal.org/asp/database/contents.asp. Web. 14 Sept. 2009. <http://www.artrenewal.org/asp/database/image.asp?id=312>.
Tempi Moderni. "Flubber." Flubber. tempimoderni, n.d. Web. 21 Sept. 2009. <http://www.tempimoderni.com/1998/flubber/flubber.jpg>.
Wikipedia. "Daedalus und Ikarus." Commons. Wikimedia, n.d. Web. 20 Sept. 2009. <http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8f/Daedalus_und_Ikarus_MK1888.png>.
Wikipedia. "Jules Verne." Wikimedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Sept. 2009. <http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/85/Jules_Verne.gif>.
Lifememory.com. "Albert Einstain." Life Memory. N.p., 2007-2008. Web. 20 Sept. 2009. <http://lifememory.com/upload/alberteinstein/images/ad081167b0887560be0fb9a75101af2c.jpg>.
Myanmar's NET. "Albert Einstein's Quote." Historical Timeline. myanmars.net, n.d. Web. 20 Sept. 2009. <http://www.myanmars.net/myanmar-history/albert-einstein-quote.htm>.
Patrick. "Christopher Lloyd's home destroyed by wildfires." MovieSet Dailies. movieset, 17 Nov. 2008. Web. 21 Sept. 2009. <http://blog.movieset.com/2008/11/17/christopher-lloyds-home-destroyed-by-wildfires/>.
Barbella, D. "Emmett Doc Brown." Photo Bucket. photobucket, n.d. Web. 20 Sept. 2009. <http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w318/dbarbella/ EmmettDocBrown.jpg>.
Breaking Balls. "Jekyll Hyde." Content. River Avenue Blues, n.d. Web. 21 Sept. 2009. <http://breakingballs.riveraveblues.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/ jekyll_hyde.jpg>.
Flubberi. "Full Length Jewel Case CD." Danny Elfman - FLUBBER. Waerloga Records, 27 May 2009. Web. 21 Sept. 2009. <http://www.waerloga.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=162>.
Galactichero, et al. "Books I've Read: Ender's Game." Rev. of Ender's Game. Flickr. Yahoo, n.d. Web. 21 Sept. 2009. <http://www.flickr.com/photos/mylesdgrant/3274021143/>.